Abortions During the Generation Z Birth Years Equaled Nearly 30% of Live Births

Abortion rates during the birth years of Generation Z (1997-2012) resulted in a number of abortions nearly equivalent to 30 percent of live births, making it the generation with the highest abortion-to-birth ratio. Recent polling indicates Generation Z is more supportive of legal abortion than older generations, with a notable gender divide. The article also highlights racial disparities, stating that abortion disproportionately affects Black children, leading to a larger elimination of the potential Black Generation Z population.

• Abortion prevented nearly 30% of live births during Generation Z’s birth years (1997-2012).
• Generation Z is the most likely generation to support abortion.
• Approximately 19-20 million pregnancies ended in legal abortion between 1997 and 2012.
• By 2023-2024, annual abortions were estimated to be over 1 million.
• Generation X (born 1965-1980) had an abortion-to-birth ratio of approximately 28%.
• Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) had the lowest abortion-to-birth ratio at roughly 18%.
• A 2026 Pew Research Center survey found 66% of 18-29 year olds supported legal abortion.
• A 2025 survey showed 76% of Gen Z women and 59% of Gen Z men supported legal abortion.
• Generation Z adults are more likely to vote for candidates sharing their views on abortion.
• Abortion disproportionately impacts Black children; non-Hispanic Black women accounted for 39.5% of reported abortions in 2022.
• The abortion rate among non-Hispanic Black women was more than four times the rate among non-Hispanic White women during the Gen Z birth period.